2008 Grants Awarded to Partner Agencies
The Benzie County Community Chest Board of Directors uses a tier system to determine the types of grants that are made to agencies working in Benzie County. Tier 1 for direct services that supply direct care needs such as food, heat, shelter, etc. At least 70% of available funds spent in this tier. Tier 2 for services that provide quality of life needs, direct and indirect. Up to 20% of funds spent in this tier. Tier 3 for supplemental services that increase community quality of life, such as the arts. Up to 10% of funds spent in this tier.
Total 2008 Awards - $49,950
Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN) - $8,000 for emergency needs distribution. BACN provides relief to individuals and families in emergency crisis situations who do not qualify for other assistance.
Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra- $750 for senior transportation to performances and on-site ensembles. www.BenzieSymphony.com
Benzie County Habitat for Humanity - $5,000 Program support to build new homes in Benzie County for low income families. Habitat for Humanity works to eliminate inadequate housing.
Benzie County Human Services Collaborative Family Services Workgroup - $3,000 toward emergency needs for low income working families not eligible for other funds.
Benzie Home Health Care - $3,500 to support home respite and health care for seniors in the community. www.BenzieHomeHealthcare.org
Benzie Housing Council - $6,000 to strengthen the foreclosure prevention program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters - $5,000 for Benzie County program operations.
Child Abuse Prevention Council - $1,000 to help fund child abuse and neglect prevention programs in Benzie County.
Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan - $4,000 to expand the helping children heal program in Benzie County. Direct treatment services for child sexual abuse victims and their families.
Crystal Lake Art Center - $700 support for the annual Benzie Countywide Student Art Show which displays artwork by students from Benzie County schools from first through 12th grades. Also will help with the first Family Art Day, which will provide a variety of hands-on art projects free of charge.
Girl Scouts of Crooked Tree - $2,000 to offer Benzie County girls the opportunity to participate in Girl Scout programs and build developmental assets defined by the Search Institute..
MSU Extension Youth Activities Program - $3,000 to support the enrichment and cultural activities and field trips of the 4-H Instead Club, an after-school program that provides structured activities for 5th to 12th grade students.
Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency - $5,000 to provide major home repairs for low income homeowners in Benzie County, enabling them to stay in the homes where it is safe and healthy.
Traverse Bay Intermediate School District Way to Grow Program - $3,000 to support this school linked community based program that works with children ages birth through five and their families through home visitation, parent education, and parent-child socializations.
